University Programme Assessment Board (UPAB) External Examiner University of Sunderland - Academic Registry and Governance
Location: Remote (serving Sunderland Campuses)
Remuneration: £100 per virtual attendance (up to 1 hour), £100 for each additional hour
Term: Initial one-year term, with possibility for up to a further four years by extension
Reports to: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), via the Head of Programme Administration
About the Role
We're seeking experienced higher education professionals to join our innovative University Programme Assessment Board (UPAB) system. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to academic quality assurance at institutional level, ensuring consistent application of academic regulations across all student profiles. You'll operate independently of faculties, providing expert oversight and guidance on regulatory compliance. The role offers excellent flexibility, with typically a maximum of three virtual UPAB meetings per academic year, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on academic standards whilst balancing other commitments. Previous external examining experience is not required—we welcome applications from those with the right regulatory expertise and assessment board knowledge.
What You Can Bring
We're looking for candidates with extensive knowledge of academic regulations and their practical application at a senior level. Ideally, you'll have significant assessment board experience, either as Chair or presenting student profiles, or a background in regulatory oversight at institutional level. Academic Registrars, Heads of Assessment, Heads of Programme Administration, or academic staff with substantial assessment board experience are particularly well-suited to this role. You should be familiar with writing or applying academic regulations at your home institution and comfortable providing expert guidance on discretionary decision-making in exceptional circumstances.
What We Offer
This fully remote role provides transparent remuneration that recognises your time and expertise. You'll receive supportive guidance and the opportunity to influence academic standards across a diverse University and contribute to innovative quality assurance approaches. Working independently with institutional support, you'll be part of a collaborative environment where we celebrate diverse perspectives and strive for excellence in everything we do.
Application Process
This role is appointed by the Academic Board and reports to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) and University Chief External Examiner (UCEE).
Ready to make a difference in higher education quality assurance?
For further information/to apply, please send your CV to Trish.diamond@sunderland.ac.uk (PA and Service Support Administrator), marking the subject line for the attention of Joanne Wake, Head of Programme Administration.
The closing date for this role is Tuesday 30th June.
The University of Sunderland is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of employment.